US20210345782A1 - Locking device for a chair - Google Patents
Locking device for a chair Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210345782A1 US20210345782A1 US17/286,408 US201817286408A US2021345782A1 US 20210345782 A1 US20210345782 A1 US 20210345782A1 US 201817286408 A US201817286408 A US 201817286408A US 2021345782 A1 US2021345782 A1 US 2021345782A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- locking device
- armrest
- pole
- wedge
- armrest pole
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
- A47C1/022—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts
- A47C1/03—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts being arm-rests
- A47C1/0307—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts being arm-rests adjustable rectilinearly in horizontal direction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/54—Supports for the arms
- A47C7/541—Supports for the arms of adjustable type
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
- F16B7/10—Telescoping systems
- F16B7/14—Telescoping systems locking in intermediate non-discrete positions
- F16B7/1454—Telescoping systems locking in intermediate non-discrete positions with a clamp locking the telescoping members by swinging a handle provided with a locking cam
-
- F16B1/0071—
Definitions
- the invention relates to a locking device, and more specifically to a locking device comprising a handle for locking an armrest pole.
- Office chairs may comprise armrests, and the armrests might be adjustable in both the height, length and sideways direction of a chair.
- the armrests When adjusting the armrests in a sideways direction, the armrests are adjusted in a direction away from, or towards, the chair seat.
- the armrests are adjustable in a sideways direction in order to adjust the chair to users with different shoulder width or hip width, and to users with different preferences regarding positioning the arms close to the body or not when resting the elbows on the armrests.
- Armrests that allow sideways adjustment may be connected to an armrest pole that is connected to the chair on the underside of the chair seat.
- the connection might be a locking device, which can lock and unlock the armrest pole at different positions.
- a common problem related to adjustable armrests is that even a small allowed movement of the armrest pole in the locking device results in a much larger movement of the actual armrest itself, the armrest being mounted at the end of the armrest pole.
- An armrest that is not rigid but can be moved slightly when it is locked in place is unfavorable as it is perceived as being of poor quality.
- a loose armrest may ruin the appearance of the chair as a whole, no matter how rugged and well built it is otherwise.
- a locking device for an armrest pole comprising; a housing element configured for slidably accommodating the armrest pole; a locking handle comprising an abutment end, the locking handle is rotatably connected to the housing element and configured for rotation between a locked position where the armrest pole is fixed in the locking device and an unlocked position where the armrest pole is slidable in the locking device; a wedge element comprising a wedge and an abutment portion, the abutment portion configured for being directly or indirectly biased by the abutment end, the wedge configured and arranged for at least partly insertion between a portion of the armrest pole and at least a portion of the housing element in the locked position.
- the locking device further comprises a spring element positioned between the locking handle and the armrest pole.
- the wedge element further comprises a flexible portion connecting the abutment portion and the wedge, for allowing the wedge to move relative to the abutment portion.
- the wedge element comprises the spring element.
- the spring element is positioned between the wedge element and the armrest pole.
- the locking device further comprises a bushing arranged between the housing element and the armrest pole.
- the bushing comprises a tongue positioned between the wedge element and the armrest pole.
- the wedge element comprises a guiding element configured for movement in between the armrest pole and the housing element.
- the guiding element is configured for interaction with a protrusion on the bushing.
- FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of an embodiment of an armrest pole and a locking device in an unlocked position.
- FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of an embodiment of an armrest pole and a locking device in a locked position.
- FIG. 2 a is a section view through the center of an embodiment of an armrest pole and a locking device in an unlocked position.
- FIG. 2 b is a section view through the center of an embodiment of an armrest pole and a locking device in a locked position.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the different parts of an embodiment of a locking device and an armrest pole.
- FIGS. 1 a and 1 b an embodiment of a locking device 1 according to the invention is illustrated together with an armrest pole 2 .
- the armrest pole 2 typically extends a distance on the underside of a chair, illustrated by the horizontal portion of the armrest pole 2 in FIG. 1 a and 1 b .
- the upper part of the armrest pole 2 is cut for illustration purposes, but the armrest pole 2 extends upwards and normally supports an armrest (not shown).
- the actual armrest would as such be located somewhere above the upright portion of the armrest pole 2 in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b .
- the armrest pole 2 may also be a backrest pole, or any other adjustable pole on an adjustable furniture, as a skilled person would appreciate.
- a locking handle 4 may be pointing in a direction, e.g. downwards.
- the armrest pole 2 can be adjusted sideways, i.e. in a direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1 a . If the armrest pole 2 is moved to the left in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1 a , the distance from the armrest to the chair increases.
- Arrow B indicates a direction of rotation that is especially critical when locking the armrest pole 2 to the chair.
- the rotation indicated by arrow B is about a longitudinal axis of a horizontal portion of the armrest pole 2 , i.e. about the arrow A.
- the rotation indicated by arrow B could be about multiple axes, and it is not necessarily about a specific axis; the rotational movement B depends on which tolerances in the locking device 1 allow the armrest pole 2 to move. A small movement of the armrest pole 2 inside the locking device 1 nevertheless results in a much greater movement of the armrest itself.
- the design of the armrest pole 2 will also affect the degree to which it is able to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow B.
- a rectangular-shaped cross section of the armrest pole 2 as indicated in the figures is advantageous, however, not enough to prevent any rotational movement of the armrest pole 2 inside the locking device 1 .
- a user may rotate the locking handle 4 , e.g. in a direction upwards, to a locked position as illustrated in FIG. 1 b.
- the locking device 1 is a part of a chair, and the locking device 1 may be attached to, or form part of, e.g. an underside of a chair.
- the locking device 1 comprises a housing element 3 which the armrest pole 2 extends into, and the armrest pole 2 may also extend through the housing element 3 .
- the housing element 3 extends a distance in the longitudinal direction of the armrest pole 2 , and the longer the housing element 3 extends along the horizontal portion of the armrest pole 2 , the more support the housing element 3 could provide to the armrest pole 2 .
- the housing element 3 may even extend across the width of a chair and form part of two locking devices for two armrest poles located on either side of the chair.
- the housing element 3 may also be part of a frame or seat of a chair, or it could be attached to any such parts.
- the locking device 1 is advantageously fixed rigidly to a chair, such that when the armrest pole 2 is rigidly fixed to the locking device 1 , the armrest pole 2 is prevented from moving and rotating relative to the chair.
- FIGS. 2 a , 2 b and 3 an embodiment of the locking device 1 according to the invention will be further described.
- FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate a cross section of the locking device 1 through the center of the locking handle 4 , seen in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal portion of the armrest pole 2 .
- FIG. 3 shows the armrest pole 2 and the different parts of the locking device 1 , illustrated in an exploded view.
- the locking handle 4 is rotatably connected to a support element 5 .
- the support element 5 may be an integrated part of the housing element 4 , or it may be a separate part, as illustrated with reference to this embodiment.
- the support element 5 supports a hinge pin 6 , and may also support the locking handle 4 , such that the locking handle 4 is free to rotate about the hinge pin 6 .
- the support element 5 may also limit the rotation of the locking handle 4 , such that the support element 5 prevents further rotation of the locking handle 4 when the locking handle 4 has been rotated towards and is in the unlocked position as illustrated in FIG. 2 a , and similarly limits further rotation of the locking handle 4 when the locking handle 4 is rotated towards and has reached the optimal locked position as illustrated in FIG. 2 b .
- the locking handle 4 may also be rotatably connected to the housing element 3 and/or the support element 5 without a dedicated hinge pin, as a skilled person will appreciate.
- the locking handle 4 may comprise an abutment end 7 .
- the abutment end 7 may be a protrusion on the locking handle 4 , preferably located near the rotation axis (hinge pin 6 ) of the locking handle 4 .
- the locking handle 4 is thus an eccentric locking handle.
- the abutment end 7 is pointing towards the armrest pole 2 , and thus creates a bias towards the armrest pole 2 as a distance from the abutment end 7 to the armrest pole 2 is shorter in the locked position than a distance from the abutment end 7 to the armrest pole 2 in the unlocked position.
- the locking device 1 thus biases the armrest pole 2 and restrains it from movement relative to the housing element 3 in the locked position.
- the abutment end 7 is rotated in a direction away from the direction of the armrest pole 2 , and thus the bias towards the armrest pole 2 is relieved.
- the abutment end 7 is positioned at a radius closer to the rotation axis than the tip of the locking handle 4 a leverage is created making is easy for a user to move the locking handle 4 from a locked position to an unlocked position and vice versa. This principle of eccentric locking is known and found in many applications.
- the locking device 1 further comprises a wedge element 8 .
- the wedge element 8 comprises an abutment portion 9 and a wedge 10 .
- the abutment portion 9 of the wedge element 8 is a surface or other part of the wedge element 8 configured for transferring the bias from the abutment end 7 of the locking handle 4 towards the armrest pole 2 .
- the abutment portion 9 may thus be directly or indirectly biased by the abutment end 7 .
- the wedge 10 is forced in between at least a portion of the housing element 3 and at least a portion of the armrest pole 2 .
- the wedge 10 is positioned and inserted on an underside of the armrest pole 2 , but it could be inserted on any side of the armrest pole 2 .
- the wedge 10 is thin where it enters the space between the housing element 3 and the armrest pole 2 (i.e. it has a thickness which is equal to or less than a distance between the housing element 3 and the armrest pole 2 ), but as the wedge 10 increases in thickness the armrest pole 2 is forced to be securely locked in the locking device 1 when the wedge 10 is pressed further in.
- the wedge element 8 biases the armrest pole 2 both horizontally, i.e. the abutment portion 9 biases to the left in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b , and vertically, i.e. the wedge 10 biases upwards in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b . This enables a very efficient locking of the armrest pole 2 in the locking device 1 , even if there are large production tolerances.
- the wedge element 8 may further comprise a spring element 11 .
- the spring element 11 is in the illustrated embodiment positioned such that the abutment end 7 of the locking handle 4 abuts the abutment portion 9 of the wedge element 8 . This provides for an even pressure on the spring element 11 , which results in an even pressure being biased in the direction of the armrest pole 2 .
- the spring element 11 could be positioned such that the abutment end 7 abuts the spring element 11 directly, and thus the spring element 11 would be positioned between the abutment portion 9 of the wedge element 8 and abutment end 7 of the locking handle 4 .
- the abutment portion 9 could also be positioned inside or be a part of a spring element 11 .
- the spring element 11 is compressed as the abutment end 7 of the locking handle 4 is rotated towards the locked position, and the abutment portion 9 of the wedge element 8 is biased towards the armrest pole 2 .
- the spring element 11 may be any element capable of compressing and expanding, and may as such be a rubber pad, a steel spring, a piece of elastic material, and so on.
- the spring element 11 allows the locking handle 4 to be rotated to the locked position and provides for the locking; if all the parts were rigid, and there were no slack in the locking device 1 or the armrest pole 2 , the abutment end 7 of the locking handle 4 might either be impossible to rotate into the locked position, or the locking handle 4 would not be securely fixed in the locked position.
- the spring effect of the spring element 11 also helps bias the armrest pole 2 , and as such strengthens the biasing effect from the locking handle 4 to the armrest device 2 .
- the spring element 11 is in the illustrated embodiment a rubber insert in the wedge element 8 , positioned on the armrest pole-side of the wedge element 8 , such that the abutment end 7 is not in physical contact with the spring element 11 .
- the spring element 11 could be positioned anywhere between the locking handle 4 and the armrest pole 2 , and may even be a compressible portion of the wedge element 8 or the locking handle 4 .
- the wedge element 8 may further comprise a flexible portion 12 .
- the flexible portion 12 enables the wedge 10 to flex and move relative to the abutment portion 9 .
- the flexible portion 12 is advantageous if the friction between the armrest pole 2 and housing element 3 is too high for the wedge 10 to be inserted further, i.e. the distance between the armrest pole 2 and housing element 3 where the wedge 10 is inserted has reached its maximum but the locking handle 4 is not yet in its fully locked position, or the spring element 11 is able to be compressed a little more. Because of the flexible portion 12 , the abutment portion 9 can be moved a distance further towards the armrest pole 2 , and further compress the spring element 11 , even if the wedge 10 is wedged and stationary.
- the flexible portion 12 is in the illustrated embodiment a curved or undulating portion between the abutment portion 9 and the wedge 10 , but may be any kind of element that allows the wedge 10 to move independently of the abutment portion 9 .
- the wedge element 8 may further comprise one or more guiding elements 13 , only visible in FIG. 3 .
- the guiding elements 13 are in the illustrated embodiment two protrusions configured for insertion between the armrest pole 2 and the housing element 3 .
- the guiding elements 13 may even comprise a wedge, but the main function is to guide the wedge element 8 such that the abutment portion 9 and spring element 11 is parallel with the side of the armrest pole 2 .
- the thickness of the guiding elements 13 is thinner than the thickness of a bushing 14 , such that the guiding elements 13 do not interfere with the locking function of the locking device 1 .
- the guiding elements 13 interact with a corresponding protrusion 15 (visible only in FIG. 3 ) on the bushing 14 . The interaction between the protrusion 15 on the bushing 14 and guiding elements 13 on the wedge element 8 thus keep the wedge element 8 optimally oriented relative to the armrest pole 2 and locking handle 4 .
- the housing element 3 may comprise a bushing 14 .
- the armrest pole 2 is as such housed in the bushing 14 and the housing element 3 .
- the bushing 14 or a portion of the bushing 14 , may extend around the circumference of the armrest pole 2 .
- the bushing 14 may be pressed into the housing element 3 , and once in place, form part of the housing element 3 .
- the bushing 14 is an element that is preferably made in a softer material than the material of the housing element 3 and the armrest pole 2 .
- the armrest pole 2 and housing element 3 may be made of metal, and preferably steel or aluminium.
- the bushing 14 may be made from a plastic material, which allows for a smoother glide of the armrest pole 2 in the housing element 3 .
- the bushing 14 may comprise features such as a regulation indicator 16 (visible only in FIG. 3 ), i.e. a protrusion on the bushing 14 which interacts with and is biased into corresponding grooves 17 (visible only in FIG. 3 ) on the armrest pole 2 .
- a regulation indicator 16 visible only in FIG. 3
- This interaction results in a “clicking” feedback, which can be both heard and felt by a user, and may indicate to the user how many “clicks” (i.e. the distance) the armrest pole 2 has been adjusted in or out of the locking device 1 .
- the bushing 14 may further comprise a tongue 18 (visible only in FIG. 3 ).
- the tongue 18 may be a partly cut-out element of the bushing 14 , connected to the bushing 14 at one side.
- the tongue 18 is an element that can flex independently of the bushing 14 .
- the tongue 18 is configured to be positioned between the wedge element 8 and the armrest pole 2 , and may be made from a non-stick material, i.e. a material that decreases the friction to the armrest pole 2 , such as a plastic material.
- the tongue 18 eliminates the chances of the wedge element 8 , and the spring element 11 in particular, sticking to the armrest pole 2 as the locking device 1 is unlocked. If the spring element 11 is made from e.g.
- the locking device 1 has been in the locked position for months or even years, there is a chance the spring element 11 can stick to the armrest pole 2 , even when the locking device 1 is unlocked.
- the tongue 18 prevents this. As the tongue 18 can flex independently of the bushing 14 , the bushing 14 does not interrupt the bias from the wedge element 8 to the armrest pole 2 , and the force exerted on the armrest pole 2 is unaffected by the tongue 18 .
- the armrest pole 2 may comprise a longitudinal groove 19 (visible only in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b ), which accommodates a corresponding ridge 20 on the inside of the housing element 3 .
- the bushing 14 may also be accommodated between the groove 19 and ridge 20 .
- the groove 19 and ridge 20 create one or more axes of rotation, as the wedge 10 is forced in between the armrest pole 2 and the housing element 3 and forces the armrest pole 2 upwards, while the abutment portion 9 forces the armrest pole 2 to the left in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
- the armrest pole 2 In the locked position, the armrest pole 2 is thus wedged between the wedge element 8 , the ridge 20 , and surrounding portions of the housing element 3 .
- Such fixing of the armrest pole 2 provides for a very tight locked position.
- the bushing 14 is split between an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 23 , such that two flanges 21 of the bushing 14 extend along an upper and lower part of the groove 19 and ridge 20 , respectively.
- the upper portion 22 and lower portion 23 may be flexible relative to each other and connected at a bushing end 24 (visible in FIG. 1 a , 1 b and 3 ).
- the upper portion 22 and lower portion 23 being able to flex relative to each other can contribute to the armrest pole 2 being even more securely wedged in the locking device 1 , as a split bushing 14 will not counteract a bias on the armrest pole 2 from several circumferential directions.
- the bushing may comprise a continuous body, without the splits described above.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
- Chairs Characterized By Structure (AREA)
- Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
- Passenger Equipment (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a locking device, and more specifically to a locking device comprising a handle for locking an armrest pole.
- Many chairs are adjustable in a number of ways, this is especially true for office chairs. Office chairs may comprise armrests, and the armrests might be adjustable in both the height, length and sideways direction of a chair. When adjusting the armrests in a sideways direction, the armrests are adjusted in a direction away from, or towards, the chair seat. The armrests are adjustable in a sideways direction in order to adjust the chair to users with different shoulder width or hip width, and to users with different preferences regarding positioning the arms close to the body or not when resting the elbows on the armrests.
- Armrests that allow sideways adjustment may be connected to an armrest pole that is connected to the chair on the underside of the chair seat. The connection might be a locking device, which can lock and unlock the armrest pole at different positions. However, a common problem related to adjustable armrests is that even a small allowed movement of the armrest pole in the locking device results in a much larger movement of the actual armrest itself, the armrest being mounted at the end of the armrest pole. An armrest that is not rigid but can be moved slightly when it is locked in place is unfavorable as it is perceived as being of poor quality. A loose armrest may ruin the appearance of the chair as a whole, no matter how rugged and well built it is otherwise.
- Among others, manufacturing inaccuracy and tolerances between parts could lead to the armrest pole being allowed to move slightly inside a locking device on an underside of the chair. When an armrest is adjustable in a sideways direction, the armrest pole must be allowed to travel while in an unlocked position, and should be completely locked in place when it is in a locked position. But because of production tolerances there is a significant risk of some amount of movement even in a locked position.
- There is therefore a need for an improved locking device to reduce or eliminate the above mentioned disadvantages of known techniques. It is an objective of the present invention to achieve this and to provide further advantages over the state of the art.
- In an embodiment, there is provided a locking device for an armrest pole, comprising; a housing element configured for slidably accommodating the armrest pole; a locking handle comprising an abutment end, the locking handle is rotatably connected to the housing element and configured for rotation between a locked position where the armrest pole is fixed in the locking device and an unlocked position where the armrest pole is slidable in the locking device; a wedge element comprising a wedge and an abutment portion, the abutment portion configured for being directly or indirectly biased by the abutment end, the wedge configured and arranged for at least partly insertion between a portion of the armrest pole and at least a portion of the housing element in the locked position.
- According to another embodiment of the invention the locking device further comprises a spring element positioned between the locking handle and the armrest pole.
- According to another embodiment of the invention the wedge element further comprises a flexible portion connecting the abutment portion and the wedge, for allowing the wedge to move relative to the abutment portion.
- According to another embodiment of the invention the wedge element comprises the spring element.
- According to another embodiment of the invention the spring element is positioned between the wedge element and the armrest pole.
- According to another embodiment of the invention the locking device further comprises a bushing arranged between the housing element and the armrest pole.
- According to another embodiment of the invention the bushing comprises a tongue positioned between the wedge element and the armrest pole.
- According to another embodiment of the invention the wedge element comprises a guiding element configured for movement in between the armrest pole and the housing element.
- According to another embodiment of the invention the guiding element is configured for interaction with a protrusion on the bushing.
- The above and other characteristics will become clear from the following description of embodiments, given as non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached schematic figures.
-
FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an embodiment of an armrest pole and a locking device in an unlocked position. -
FIG. 1b is a perspective view of an embodiment of an armrest pole and a locking device in a locked position. -
FIG. 2a is a section view through the center of an embodiment of an armrest pole and a locking device in an unlocked position. -
FIG. 2b is a section view through the center of an embodiment of an armrest pole and a locking device in a locked position. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the different parts of an embodiment of a locking device and an armrest pole. - The following description may use terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lateral”, “back and forth”, “up and down”, “upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer”, “forward”, “rear”, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the figures and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be limiting.
- Referring initially to
FIGS. 1a and 1b , an embodiment of alocking device 1 according to the invention is illustrated together with anarmrest pole 2. Thearmrest pole 2 typically extends a distance on the underside of a chair, illustrated by the horizontal portion of thearmrest pole 2 inFIG. 1a and 1b . InFIGS. 1a and 1b , the upper part of thearmrest pole 2 is cut for illustration purposes, but thearmrest pole 2 extends upwards and normally supports an armrest (not shown). The actual armrest would as such be located somewhere above the upright portion of thearmrest pole 2 inFIGS. 1a and 1b . Thearmrest pole 2 may also be a backrest pole, or any other adjustable pole on an adjustable furniture, as a skilled person would appreciate. - In an unlocked position of the
locking device 1, as illustrated inFIG. 1a , alocking handle 4 may be pointing in a direction, e.g. downwards. In the unlocked position, thearmrest pole 2 can be adjusted sideways, i.e. in a direction indicated by arrow A inFIG. 1a . If thearmrest pole 2 is moved to the left in the direction of the arrow A inFIG. 1a , the distance from the armrest to the chair increases. Arrow B indicates a direction of rotation that is especially critical when locking thearmrest pole 2 to the chair. The rotation indicated by arrow B is about a longitudinal axis of a horizontal portion of thearmrest pole 2, i.e. about the arrow A. The rotation indicated by arrow B could be about multiple axes, and it is not necessarily about a specific axis; the rotational movement B depends on which tolerances in thelocking device 1 allow thearmrest pole 2 to move. A small movement of thearmrest pole 2 inside thelocking device 1 nevertheless results in a much greater movement of the armrest itself. The design of thearmrest pole 2 will also affect the degree to which it is able to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow B. A rectangular-shaped cross section of thearmrest pole 2 as indicated in the figures is advantageous, however, not enough to prevent any rotational movement of thearmrest pole 2 inside thelocking device 1. - In order to activate the
locking device 1 and securely fix thearmrest pole 2, a user may rotate thelocking handle 4, e.g. in a direction upwards, to a locked position as illustrated inFIG. 1 b. - The
locking device 1 is a part of a chair, and thelocking device 1 may be attached to, or form part of, e.g. an underside of a chair. Thelocking device 1 comprises ahousing element 3 which thearmrest pole 2 extends into, and thearmrest pole 2 may also extend through thehousing element 3. Thehousing element 3 extends a distance in the longitudinal direction of thearmrest pole 2, and the longer thehousing element 3 extends along the horizontal portion of thearmrest pole 2, the more support thehousing element 3 could provide to thearmrest pole 2. Thehousing element 3 may even extend across the width of a chair and form part of two locking devices for two armrest poles located on either side of the chair. Thehousing element 3 may also be part of a frame or seat of a chair, or it could be attached to any such parts. Thelocking device 1 is advantageously fixed rigidly to a chair, such that when thearmrest pole 2 is rigidly fixed to thelocking device 1, thearmrest pole 2 is prevented from moving and rotating relative to the chair. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3, an embodiment of thelocking device 1 according to the invention will be further described.FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate a cross section of thelocking device 1 through the center of thelocking handle 4, seen in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal portion of thearmrest pole 2.FIG. 3 shows thearmrest pole 2 and the different parts of thelocking device 1, illustrated in an exploded view. - The locking handle 4 is rotatably connected to a
support element 5. Thesupport element 5 may be an integrated part of thehousing element 4, or it may be a separate part, as illustrated with reference to this embodiment. Thesupport element 5 supports ahinge pin 6, and may also support thelocking handle 4, such that the locking handle 4 is free to rotate about thehinge pin 6. Thesupport element 5 may also limit the rotation of thelocking handle 4, such that thesupport element 5 prevents further rotation of the locking handle 4 when the locking handle 4 has been rotated towards and is in the unlocked position as illustrated inFIG. 2a , and similarly limits further rotation of the locking handle 4 when the locking handle 4 is rotated towards and has reached the optimal locked position as illustrated inFIG. 2b . The locking handle 4 may also be rotatably connected to thehousing element 3 and/or thesupport element 5 without a dedicated hinge pin, as a skilled person will appreciate. - The locking handle 4 may comprise an
abutment end 7. Theabutment end 7 may be a protrusion on thelocking handle 4, preferably located near the rotation axis (hinge pin 6) of thelocking handle 4. The locking handle 4 is thus an eccentric locking handle. When the locking handle 4 is in the locked position, theabutment end 7 is pointing towards thearmrest pole 2, and thus creates a bias towards thearmrest pole 2 as a distance from theabutment end 7 to thearmrest pole 2 is shorter in the locked position than a distance from theabutment end 7 to thearmrest pole 2 in the unlocked position. Thelocking device 1 thus biases thearmrest pole 2 and restrains it from movement relative to thehousing element 3 in the locked position. - As the locking handle 4 is rotated towards the unlocked position, the
abutment end 7 is rotated in a direction away from the direction of thearmrest pole 2, and thus the bias towards thearmrest pole 2 is relieved. As theabutment end 7 is positioned at a radius closer to the rotation axis than the tip of the locking handle 4 a leverage is created making is easy for a user to move the locking handle 4 from a locked position to an unlocked position and vice versa. This principle of eccentric locking is known and found in many applications. - The
locking device 1 further comprises awedge element 8. Thewedge element 8 comprises anabutment portion 9 and awedge 10. Theabutment portion 9 of thewedge element 8 is a surface or other part of thewedge element 8 configured for transferring the bias from theabutment end 7 of the locking handle 4 towards thearmrest pole 2. Theabutment portion 9 may thus be directly or indirectly biased by theabutment end 7. When the locking handle 4 in the illustrated embodiment is rotated towards the locked position, theabutment end 7 abuts theabutment portion 9, and thewedge element 8 is forced towards thearmrest pole 2. As thewedge element 8 is forced towards thearmrest pole 2, thewedge 10 is forced in between at least a portion of thehousing element 3 and at least a portion of thearmrest pole 2. In the illustrated embodiment, thewedge 10 is positioned and inserted on an underside of thearmrest pole 2, but it could be inserted on any side of thearmrest pole 2. - The
wedge 10 is thin where it enters the space between thehousing element 3 and the armrest pole 2 (i.e. it has a thickness which is equal to or less than a distance between thehousing element 3 and the armrest pole 2), but as thewedge 10 increases in thickness thearmrest pole 2 is forced to be securely locked in thelocking device 1 when thewedge 10 is pressed further in. In the locked position, thewedge element 8 biases thearmrest pole 2 both horizontally, i.e. theabutment portion 9 biases to the left inFIGS. 2a and 2b , and vertically, i.e. thewedge 10 biases upwards inFIGS. 2a and 2b . This enables a very efficient locking of thearmrest pole 2 in thelocking device 1, even if there are large production tolerances. - The
wedge element 8 may further comprise aspring element 11. Thespring element 11 is in the illustrated embodiment positioned such that theabutment end 7 of the locking handle 4 abuts theabutment portion 9 of thewedge element 8. This provides for an even pressure on thespring element 11, which results in an even pressure being biased in the direction of thearmrest pole 2. Alternatively, thespring element 11 could be positioned such that theabutment end 7 abuts thespring element 11 directly, and thus thespring element 11 would be positioned between theabutment portion 9 of thewedge element 8 andabutment end 7 of thelocking handle 4. Theabutment portion 9 could also be positioned inside or be a part of aspring element 11. - The
spring element 11 is compressed as theabutment end 7 of the locking handle 4 is rotated towards the locked position, and theabutment portion 9 of thewedge element 8 is biased towards thearmrest pole 2. Thespring element 11 may be any element capable of compressing and expanding, and may as such be a rubber pad, a steel spring, a piece of elastic material, and so on. Thespring element 11 allows the locking handle 4 to be rotated to the locked position and provides for the locking; if all the parts were rigid, and there were no slack in thelocking device 1 or thearmrest pole 2, theabutment end 7 of the locking handle 4 might either be impossible to rotate into the locked position, or the locking handle 4 would not be securely fixed in the locked position. When in the locked position, the spring effect of thespring element 11 also helps bias thearmrest pole 2, and as such strengthens the biasing effect from the locking handle 4 to thearmrest device 2. Thespring element 11 is in the illustrated embodiment a rubber insert in thewedge element 8, positioned on the armrest pole-side of thewedge element 8, such that theabutment end 7 is not in physical contact with thespring element 11. As mentioned, thespring element 11 could be positioned anywhere between the lockinghandle 4 and thearmrest pole 2, and may even be a compressible portion of thewedge element 8 or thelocking handle 4. - The
wedge element 8 may further comprise aflexible portion 12. Theflexible portion 12 enables thewedge 10 to flex and move relative to theabutment portion 9. Theflexible portion 12 is advantageous if the friction between thearmrest pole 2 andhousing element 3 is too high for thewedge 10 to be inserted further, i.e. the distance between thearmrest pole 2 andhousing element 3 where thewedge 10 is inserted has reached its maximum but the locking handle 4 is not yet in its fully locked position, or thespring element 11 is able to be compressed a little more. Because of theflexible portion 12, theabutment portion 9 can be moved a distance further towards thearmrest pole 2, and further compress thespring element 11, even if thewedge 10 is wedged and stationary. - The
flexible portion 12 is in the illustrated embodiment a curved or undulating portion between theabutment portion 9 and thewedge 10, but may be any kind of element that allows thewedge 10 to move independently of theabutment portion 9. - The
wedge element 8 may further comprise one ormore guiding elements 13, only visible inFIG. 3 . The guidingelements 13 are in the illustrated embodiment two protrusions configured for insertion between thearmrest pole 2 and thehousing element 3. The guidingelements 13 may even comprise a wedge, but the main function is to guide thewedge element 8 such that theabutment portion 9 andspring element 11 is parallel with the side of thearmrest pole 2. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the guidingelements 13 is thinner than the thickness of abushing 14, such that the guidingelements 13 do not interfere with the locking function of thelocking device 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the guidingelements 13 interact with a corresponding protrusion 15 (visible only inFIG. 3 ) on thebushing 14. The interaction between theprotrusion 15 on thebushing 14 and guidingelements 13 on thewedge element 8 thus keep thewedge element 8 optimally oriented relative to thearmrest pole 2 and lockinghandle 4. - As mentioned in the previous section, the
housing element 3 may comprise abushing 14. Thearmrest pole 2 is as such housed in thebushing 14 and thehousing element 3. Thebushing 14, or a portion of thebushing 14, may extend around the circumference of thearmrest pole 2. Thebushing 14 may be pressed into thehousing element 3, and once in place, form part of thehousing element 3. - The
bushing 14 is an element that is preferably made in a softer material than the material of thehousing element 3 and thearmrest pole 2. Thearmrest pole 2 andhousing element 3 may be made of metal, and preferably steel or aluminium. Thebushing 14 may be made from a plastic material, which allows for a smoother glide of thearmrest pole 2 in thehousing element 3. - The
bushing 14 may comprise features such as a regulation indicator 16 (visible only inFIG. 3 ), i.e. a protrusion on thebushing 14 which interacts with and is biased into corresponding grooves 17 (visible only inFIG. 3 ) on thearmrest pole 2. This interaction results in a “clicking” feedback, which can be both heard and felt by a user, and may indicate to the user how many “clicks” (i.e. the distance) thearmrest pole 2 has been adjusted in or out of thelocking device 1. - The
bushing 14 may further comprise a tongue 18 (visible only inFIG. 3 ). Thetongue 18 may be a partly cut-out element of thebushing 14, connected to thebushing 14 at one side. Thetongue 18 is an element that can flex independently of thebushing 14. Thetongue 18 is configured to be positioned between thewedge element 8 and thearmrest pole 2, and may be made from a non-stick material, i.e. a material that decreases the friction to thearmrest pole 2, such as a plastic material. Thetongue 18 eliminates the chances of thewedge element 8, and thespring element 11 in particular, sticking to thearmrest pole 2 as thelocking device 1 is unlocked. If thespring element 11 is made from e.g. rubber, and thelocking device 1 has been in the locked position for months or even years, there is a chance thespring element 11 can stick to thearmrest pole 2, even when thelocking device 1 is unlocked. Thetongue 18 prevents this. As thetongue 18 can flex independently of thebushing 14, thebushing 14 does not interrupt the bias from thewedge element 8 to thearmrest pole 2, and the force exerted on thearmrest pole 2 is unaffected by thetongue 18. - The
armrest pole 2 may comprise a longitudinal groove 19 (visible only inFIGS. 2a and 2b ), which accommodates acorresponding ridge 20 on the inside of thehousing element 3. Thebushing 14 may also be accommodated between thegroove 19 andridge 20. Thegroove 19 andridge 20 create one or more axes of rotation, as thewedge 10 is forced in between thearmrest pole 2 and thehousing element 3 and forces thearmrest pole 2 upwards, while theabutment portion 9 forces thearmrest pole 2 to the left inFIGS. 2a and 2b . In the locked position, thearmrest pole 2 is thus wedged between thewedge element 8, theridge 20, and surrounding portions of thehousing element 3. Such fixing of thearmrest pole 2 provides for a very tight locked position. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
bushing 14 is split between anupper portion 22 and alower portion 23, such that twoflanges 21 of thebushing 14 extend along an upper and lower part of thegroove 19 andridge 20, respectively. Theupper portion 22 andlower portion 23 may be flexible relative to each other and connected at a bushing end 24 (visible inFIG. 1a, 1b and 3). Theupper portion 22 andlower portion 23 being able to flex relative to each other can contribute to thearmrest pole 2 being even more securely wedged in thelocking device 1, as asplit bushing 14 will not counteract a bias on thearmrest pole 2 from several circumferential directions. It should be understood, however, that the bushing may comprise a continuous body, without the splits described above. - While the invention has been described with reference to the embodiment(s) mentioned above, it is to be understood that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations shall remain within the field and scope of the invention.
Claims (9)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2018/078760 WO2020078569A1 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2018-10-19 | Locking device for a chair |
Publications (2)
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US20210345782A1 true US20210345782A1 (en) | 2021-11-11 |
US11478085B2 US11478085B2 (en) | 2022-10-25 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/286,408 Active US11478085B2 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2018-10-19 | Locking device for a chair |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US11478085B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113163948B (en) |
DE (1) | DE112018008078T5 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2593331B (en) |
NO (1) | NO20210579A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL437613A1 (en) |
SE (1) | SE545169C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020078569A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
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CN113163948A (en) * | 2018-10-19 | 2021-07-23 | 富洛克公司 | Locking device for seat |
US20230392746A1 (en) * | 2022-06-03 | 2023-12-07 | Braden Hourigan | Tripod design and manufacture |
Families Citing this family (5)
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MX2022009857A (en) * | 2020-02-11 | 2022-11-08 | Poppin Inc | Clamping arrangements for assembling furniture. |
CH717706A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-01-31 | Vitra Ag | Support component, armrest with such a support component and chair with such an armrest. |
WO2022199181A1 (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2022-09-29 | 际诺思股份公司 | Furniture assembling assembly and assembled furniture |
TWM617538U (en) * | 2021-06-30 | 2021-09-21 | 高鐵工業股份有限公司 | Telescopic linkage mechanism of bicycle carrying frame |
US11622631B1 (en) * | 2022-09-15 | 2023-04-11 | Jay A. Berkowitz | Apparatus and method for assembling a modular ergonomic chair without using fasteners |
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DE69514522T2 (en) * | 1995-10-05 | 2000-07-27 | Faure Bertrand Equipements Sa | Unlimited adjustable slide lock mechanism |
DE29611267U1 (en) * | 1996-07-01 | 1996-08-29 | Dauphin Entwicklungs- u. Beteiligungs-GmbH, 92259 Neukirchen | Armrest for office chairs |
US6374464B1 (en) * | 2000-07-25 | 2002-04-23 | Chin-Kuo Lai | Buckle with fine adjustment means |
DE10349926B4 (en) * | 2003-10-25 | 2007-11-29 | Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for locking and operating flaps or doors |
US20050126612A1 (en) * | 2003-12-12 | 2005-06-16 | Chao-Lin Chen | Adjustable fixture for an umbrella |
KR101095613B1 (en) * | 2007-01-19 | 2011-12-19 | 가부시키가이샤 파이오락꾸스 | Lock device |
NO328997B1 (en) * | 2008-05-06 | 2010-07-12 | Hag As | Adjustment device for the chair arms |
US8104838B2 (en) * | 2009-12-15 | 2012-01-31 | Po-Chuan Tsai | Armrest assembly that can adjust its leftward and rightward positions |
WO2011130272A1 (en) * | 2010-04-12 | 2011-10-20 | Kongsberg Automotive, Inc. | Foldable headrest assembly for a seat of a vehicle |
CN203846866U (en) * | 2014-05-12 | 2014-09-24 | 苏新文 | Single-spring-bolt locking device |
US10136732B2 (en) | 2014-12-22 | 2018-11-27 | Innovations US, LLC | Seating apparatus and methods of using the same |
US9578971B2 (en) * | 2015-08-02 | 2017-02-28 | Dongguan Kentec Office Seating Co., Ltd. | Armrest interval adjustment structure for a chair |
US9795220B1 (en) * | 2016-05-09 | 2017-10-24 | Atec International Team Co., Ltd. | Quickly released and fastened adjustment mechanism |
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SE545169C2 (en) * | 2018-10-19 | 2023-04-25 | Flokk Ab | Locking device for an armrest pole |
-
2018
- 2018-10-19 SE SE2150547A patent/SE545169C2/en unknown
- 2018-10-19 CN CN201880098830.9A patent/CN113163948B/en active Active
- 2018-10-19 PL PL437613A patent/PL437613A1/en unknown
- 2018-10-19 GB GB2106677.4A patent/GB2593331B/en active Active
- 2018-10-19 DE DE112018008078.1T patent/DE112018008078T5/en active Pending
- 2018-10-19 US US17/286,408 patent/US11478085B2/en active Active
- 2018-10-19 NO NO20210579A patent/NO20210579A1/en unknown
- 2018-10-19 WO PCT/EP2018/078760 patent/WO2020078569A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113163948A (en) * | 2018-10-19 | 2021-07-23 | 富洛克公司 | Locking device for seat |
US20230392746A1 (en) * | 2022-06-03 | 2023-12-07 | Braden Hourigan | Tripod design and manufacture |
US11988322B2 (en) * | 2022-06-03 | 2024-05-21 | Braden Hourigan | Tripod design and manufacture |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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SE2150547A1 (en) | 2021-04-29 |
NO20210579A1 (en) | 2021-05-10 |
WO2020078569A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
DE112018008078T5 (en) | 2021-09-02 |
SE545169C2 (en) | 2023-04-25 |
GB2593331A (en) | 2021-09-22 |
PL437613A1 (en) | 2022-03-14 |
CN113163948B (en) | 2024-06-21 |
CN113163948A (en) | 2021-07-23 |
GB2593331B (en) | 2022-08-17 |
US11478085B2 (en) | 2022-10-25 |
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